Method for packaging tubular articles

Abstract

A method for packing unfilled cigarette tubes into a receptacle consists of the steps of feeding tubes to a conveyor, moving the tubes along the conveyor to a holding position, and laterally moving a predetermined number of tubes to a container. The container may then be pivoted vertically to deposit the tubes into the receptacle.

I claim: 
     
       1. A method of packing unfilled cigarette tubes into a receptacle, comprising: feeding said cigarette tubes to a conveyor;   moving a predetermined number of said tubes along said conveyor to a holding position;   transferring said predetermined number of said tubes from said holding position laterally to a containment member;   and rotating said filled containment member about a vertical axis away from said holding position.   
     
     
       2. A method as claimed in claim 1, including positioning a receptacle over said filled containment member and pivoting said filled containment member and said receptacle about a horizontal axis. 
     
     
       3. A method as claimed in claim 2, including positioning a support member beneath said containment member to receive said receptacle as said containment member is pivoted, and lowering said support member to remove said receptacle from said containment member, said cigarette tubes falling into said receptacle. 
     
     
       4. A method as claimed in claim 3, wherein said support member comprises a table associated with actuation means for elevating said table to receive said receptacle and lowering said table to separate said receptacle from said containment member.